Jamie Redknapp has suggested that Didier Drogba could be in line for his first Chelsea start following his return to the club over the summer.

The veteran striker was brought back to Stamford Bridge in a surprise move by manager Jose Mourinho earlier in the transfer window.

Originally, it was thought that Drogba would be utilised as back-up to a strikeforce which contained the likes of Diego Costa, Romelu Lukaku and Fernando Torres.

However, with Lukaku having departed for £28 million to Everton, Torres seemingly on the verge of a move to AC Milan and Costa nursing a slight injury, Redknapp has hinted that Drogba could be included in Chelsea’s first team for their game against Everton at the weekend.

The Sky Sports pundit wrote in his preview of the game: “Fernando Torres is in talks with AC Milan so he might be out of the frame to play in Costa's place – although he probably wouldn’t be the answer anyway – and that means Didier Drogba could be set for a start if Costa doesn't make it.

“I’m sure he didn’t imagine that happening just three games into the season after returning to Chelsea in the summer!”

It remains to be seen whether the Chelsea legend’s return to the club will rekindle some of the form he showed in his previous stint.

The former Ivory Coast international targetman played for Shanghai Shenhua in China and Galatasaray in Turkey during the two years he spent away from the Blues, and it will be a big readjustment to playing in the Premier League.

It will also be a tough test if he does start, as Everton are one of the teams gunning for a top-four place this season. The Toffees look strong under Roberto Martinez, and if Drogba is not at the top of his game then Chelsea may have their work cut out.

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.